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Study French in Bordeaux (Place Gambetta), France

Study French in Bordeaux, a beautiful city that sits on the banks of the Garonne River, surrounded by stunning landscapes such as traditional fishing villages, scenic beaches, the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, and historic chateaux, all of which are within easy reach of Bordeaux via public transport. A wonderful location for those eager to learn about French culture, nearly half of historic Bordeaux has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

This is thanks to its magnificent architecture, most of which has remained relatively unchanged for over 200 years! Bordeaux is also famous for its wine and antiques, as well as being a shopper’s paradise and home to what is said to be the longest shopping street in Europe! The local cuisine is also fantastic and includes plenty of delicious seafood, game, pastries and macaroons!

Our school in Bordeaux (Place Gambetta)

Housed in a beautiful 19th Century building in the heart of the city and just off Place Gambetta, our French language school in Bordeaux offers excellent facilities for students, including 12 bright, air-conditioned classrooms, a self-study room and a lounge area that opens out onto a pretty garden. Our school also offers wireless Internet throughout.

Courses in Bordeaux (Place Gambetta)

You are sure to find the perfect French language course for you in Bordeaux, thanks to the wide range offered by our school! Group courses of 20, 26 or 30 French language lessons per week are perfect if you would like to improve your overall level of French, whereas private courses offer you the chance to tailor the lessons to meet your own specific requirements. Alternatively, you may like to consider one of our combined courses of group and one-to-one tuition.

Bordeaux is famous for its wine, and so our school offers a fantastic ‘French and Wine’ course which combines French language study with lessons on the art of wine tasting and the wine making process. A French and cookery courses is also available, combining language lessons with four practical cookery lessons each week. Two cookery lessons will focus on French baking skills and in the other two lessons, you will learn to prepare traditional French meals!

Our school in Bordeaux also offers a range of courses designed specifically for students who require French for their work, including Business French courses, Legal French courses, Diplomatic French courses and Medical French courses. The school also offers exam preparation courses for students preparing to take their DELF, TEF and A-level exams and there is even a ‘French for Teachers’ course!

Course materials aren't included in the fees in Bordeaux, but can be bought directly at the school on arrival.

Accommodation

Our school in Bordeaux offers host family accommodation, which is the perfect accommodation option if you wish to learn French quickly, as you will have plenty of opportunity to practice what you have learnt in class with your native French-speaking hosts! This accommodation type is offered on a half board basis.

Activities

Cultural activities are regularly arranged by our school in Bordeaux and include guided tours of Bordeaux and its historical monuments, wine and cheese tasting, guided museum tours and cookery lessons. Regular excursions are also arranged to local places of interest, such as St Emilion and its vineyards, the Arcachon Basin and the Dune of Pilat.

How to get there

Our school recommends that all students should take either a taxi or public transport to their accommodation. A taxi should cost around €30 maximum, but you can first take a bus, line +1, between the airport (Mérignac Aéroport) and the main railway station (Gare Saint-Jean) for approximately €2. The bus normally runs every 10 minutes Monday to Friday, every 15 minutes on Saturdays and every 20 minutes on Sundays.

Location of our school in Bordeaux (Place Gambetta)

Student stories on our blog

Insider tips for beautiful Bordeaux

At the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a charming port city situated in the south west of France. Capital of the Aquitaine region, “La Perle d’Aquitaine” (The Pearl of Aquitaine) is the ninth largest city of France with a population of 240,000 inhabitants.

The founding of Bordeaux dates back to the fifth century B.C, when some vineyards already started to spring up! Burdigala, as it used to be called, experienced a significant development thanks to its port, whilst some of the the ancient city constructions and remains are still visible today. Don’t be surprised if Bordeaux seems to have a certain “English flair” - the city was actually ruled by the English for a long time!

More articles about Bordeaux (Place Gambetta)

Reviews

Maria Concetta Gintoli

The course I took was very well structured, with students of different nationalities and this' allowed to use the language also in our free time . I was very interesting because this included a theoretical part and a practical conversation and listening to the current language all that in a serene and professional atmosphere.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

William Farrington

The course was thoroughly enjoyable. Instruction was first-rate and good humoured throughout, class size was small and there was a friendly, helpful demeanour to all that went on. I wish I could have stayed for longer.

My accommodation was absolutely fine. I was well looked after by a sympathetic (to my educational needs) family who treated me very well.

A good course in an excellent venue. I would (in fact, have already) recommend it to my friends.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Stephen Pantling

I found the course interesting. The school staff were extremly helpful and listened to concerns students had about their courses and the make up of these courses. Our host was extremly good. She was our defacto teacher, and helped a lot in this area as well as helping us develope our oral language skills. She was an extremly good cook and hostess. Thanks to the school for being able to accomodate both my wife and I as a couple, which added to the experience.

3 3 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Anthony Hill

The school has a well organised course for beginners like myself. I learnt enough french in the three weeks I was there to give me the confidence to continue learning the language. I stayed in a hotel near the Bordeaux St Jean railway station. It was very pleasant and comfortable hotel

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Will Cross

Although I only stayed for one week, I felt that the topic covered was a bit one dimensional - I realise that many people would stay for more than one week, however, it would have been useful to cover multiple topics so that a wider range of vocab and expressions could be learnt.

Accommodation Excellent accommodation and very friendly family - five star!

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

3 3 / 5

Recommended

Ilse Olfers

The course was great, there were only 7 students in our class and we were all on the same level of French. The teacher was very friendly and motivating and used topics from popular culture. It was a typical French family, with a house (with pool) 20 min outside of Bordeaux. I'm thankful they shared their daily life with me, it's a very interesting way to travel and they gave me even more opportunity to practice my French during dinner.

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Emma Baxter

I enjoyed my course and found it both challenging and rewarding. My accommodation was excellent. The woman was lovely and made me feel really at home.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Grethe Veiåker Nilsen

Very good teachers and a good programme in all. Couldn't have been luckier with my host family - superb!

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Patricia Hollywood

The course was excellent.

5 5 / 5

3 3 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Katharina Auer

I was really happy with my language course. The teachers were very competent and friendly and taught interesting and relevant lessons. The group sizes were nice and small and there was a good, relaxed atmosphere in the school. My host family completly integrated me into their life and I felt like a part of the family rather than a guest. We shared dinners every evening and went on trips together on the weekend. The family had three lovely and talkative teenage daughters - which was great to practice my French. I am sure I will stay in contact with my host family!

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Freya van Assem

My French course was very well organised. Every student had the opportunity to learn French in their own way and everyone got the chance to develop themselves at their own speed. I stayed with a nice family. My room was nice, I had much space, even my own shower and microwave. I could come into the house whenever I wanted to, talk to them about school and such.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Lodovica Carniello

I've never studied French before this language course and it was very helpful for me.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Rose Daniels

The teacher was very nice and the school very well equipped etc. My accomodation was amazing. The house was large and modern. It was in the suburbs but well connected by tram. My host mother was incredible. The meals were fantastic, she did the washing every night, she cleaned everyday and had a whole food of fridge just for the students. There were also three other girls staying there which was very nice. She was very happy for us to use the wifi and helped us out whenever we needed it. There was also a swimming pool and a separate bathroom for the students. My time in Bordeaux was fantastic! The accomodation was excellent and the town and way of life there was very relaxing and enjoyable.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Susan Peattie

I enjoyed the course as we discussed French culture topics a lot and then how things worked in our own countries. There was a lot of opportunity for conversation and the tutor was also happy to give us additional exercises for further practice of grammar points.

5 5 / 5

3 3 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Lydia Mcmillan

It was really helpful for my spoken french especially. The house was lovely and the family were particularly accomodating.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Angus Lee

I found the course useful. Excellent accommodation with a very friendly and helpful family. They made a big effort to show me the French way of life and I would highly recommend to another student.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Ludovica Toscano

The course has been really useful and nice, and the accommodation has been great!

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Anne Leahy

The course was great fun. The teacher was an encouraging, committed and diligent tutor, who delivered to clear and attainable learning outcomes through oral, aural and written work, and added local and national cultural interest and nuance. There was a happy atmosphere in the school with engaging, diverse class colleagues and I made significant progress!

5 5 / 5

1 1 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Sam Rodenhurst

I really enjoyed the course and would definitely recommend the school to friends.

5 5 / 5

3 3 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Evgeniya Popova

The teachers at the school are really great!

4 4 / 5

1 1 / 5

3 3 / 5

Recommended

Monika Droste

The teachers were wonderful, the atmosphere within the class was great. Everyone accepted everyone else. It was fun even so very tiring in the first week. The trips on Friday afternoon were very good and gave one an enjoyment of the surroundings of the beautiful city of Bordeaux. I absolutely enjoyed my stay there and I had the feeling that the other students were as happy as I was. The accomodation was very good and the services as well.

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Kim Brumpton

Good experience to kick start the process for learning French. I found Apple Languages to be very good to work with and they responded promptly to my inquiries. This made me feel confident. The course and the town of Bordeaux are fantastic. My accommodation had an excellent pool. I had really great meals and there was lots of space in the house which was quiet and peaceful. This assisted with my french in conversation.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

4 4 / 5

Recommended

Nicky Beattie

Highly recommended, although a very basic knowledge of french would be helpful for the absolute beginner. Ideally at least 3 weeks would be sufficient to gain a good understanding and the ability to converse in french. Staying with a host family is a superb way of improving your french. I was totally delighted with the host family I stayed with - the hospitality, the cuisine and the conversations were fantastic. I was glad I chose this option. Overall a great experience, highly recommended.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Jenny Murran

It was a enjayable course. My family were lovely and friendly and settled in right away.My French has improved. My accomadation was excellent I coulndnt have had a nicer or more comfortable house.

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Sandra Davis

It was a fabulous experience that I will never forget. I now have friends from all over the world.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Beverley Compton

I enjoyed the overall experience of being taught entirely in French. My host family made me feel extremely welcome; accommodation was spotless, easy to find from the City centre adn the hosts spoke very clearly to me - great fun!

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Terry Phillips

The course was intensive as expected but the 1:1 was excellent - it went at a pace dependent on progress and also allowed for all sorts of developments along lines which emerged from our work - we spoke a lot about the election and used all sorts of materials to develop an understanding of French and help apply it to all situations. The lesson and the administration was all conducted in french and even the explanations of grammar and of the exercises was always in French - this was excellent and accustomed the ear to the language. I was met at the airport late on a Sunday and accompanied to the school on the first morning - at all times 'La dame d'accueil' was extremely helpful - food excellent and company superb - there was one other foreign student staying in the house and we were encouraged to speak French all the time during the stay. Having another student to talk to by being accommodated "en famille" was useful when there by oneself and also following an individual course. The school was excellent - very welcoming - the walking tour of Bordeaux on the first afternoon was very helpful and the commentary such that it was in French but understandable - one soon got into the understanding even if not all the words and every word was heard. The staff were keen to encourage French speaking all the time. A student lunch was arranged at a local restaurant.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Steven Noble

The staff at the school were excellent for the whole week. The group exercises in the morning were very useful for the whole group to improve by working with each other and the 1:1's had a real value as they were specifically tailored by the school staff to meet my needs and as a result very rewarding.

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Patricia Anyaegbuna

The course was well taught, I had an excellent teacher. The accomodation was good, it's exactly what you expect for student accommodation.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Recommended

Richard Leech

The 1 to 1 sessions were particularly good. My host family were friendly people and very welcoming.

4 4 / 5

3 3 / 5

3 3 / 5

Recommended

Philippa Thorne

It was really good and despite the big differences in ability in the class the teacher made it relevant to all. My host was very friendly and welcoming.

4 4 / 5

4 4 / 5

5 5 / 5

Ratings: = Course = Accommodation = School staff

Prices

School Information

Airport transfer:

€35This is for a one-way transfer from Bordeaux train station. A transfer from Bordeaux Merignac Airport costs € 45

Minimum age:

17

Course materials included:

No

Average number of students:

Summer (100) - Winter (55) per week

Disability access:

No

Air conditioning:

Yes

WiFi available:

Yes

Affiliations:

IALC, Campus France, Qualité Fle

Included in fees:

Minimum of 2 activities/wk, such as French films in school, museum visits, evenings out with tutors (students pay own entrance fees/consumption).